News Literacy

Note: The following work showcases my ability to verify the credibility and relevance of sources, my avoidance of bias in stories, and my process for verifying accuracy.

"The fact check and source analysis"

(Pre-publication process for the El Vaquero newspaper)

About: ​After writing my story, I make comments on my own story to ensure that I have gathered the news in a coherent manner. The phrases highlighted in green are opinionated quotes that I double-checked for accuracy. The phrases highlighted in orange represent the facts that were to be verified with at least two other sources.

"Verify, verify, then verify again"

(Pre-publication process for the El Vaquero newspaper)

About: ​I have learned that you can never be too sure when it comes to little seemingly harmless details in a story. Not only is it important to verify facts with the original source, but it is also crucial to verify those very facts with multiple other sources. Sources can range from people, to books, and to online, but it doesn't hurt to do a quick check before going to press. I have learned to incorporate these steps within every story that I write. After receiving confirmation of a fact that needed checking, I made sure to look it up online as well.

"Covering football"

(Not published but assigned at the California Scholastic Press Association Workshop on July 17, 2017)

About: ​Subsequent to the completion of my first draft, there were some names and numbers that I felt uncertain about even after doing a quick web search. I made markings on the phrases I had uncertainties about, verified them with multiple sources, then correct the mistakes in the final draft.

Final Draft:

HOUSTON – The New England Patriots, making the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, stunned the Atlanta Falcons by overcoming a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win the Super Bowl LI, ending with 34-28, in overtime for the first time on Sunday.

The Patriot quarterback and most valuable player Tom Brady, broke records as he completed 43 of 62 passes, winning his fifth Super Bowl.

“This is a great feeling – one I wish everyone could experience. I was able to produce the best Super Bowl comeback,” said Brady. “But I couldn’t have done it without my teammates.”

Falcon’s running back, Devonta Freeman, kicked off the game by scoring the first touchdown in the second quarter. From there, Falcon players Austin Hooper and Robert Alford ended the second quarter with 21-3 as Tom Brady ignited the Patriot’s first touchdown.

“I told my team we will win do not worry about it,” said Patriot coach Bill Belichick. “We will make will make a comeback.”

Leading to the Patriot’s win, Patriot running back James White, made a touchdown in the final minute leading to a tie of 28-28. Entering into overtime for the first time in Super Bowl history, White made a 2-yard run and lead the Patriots to victory by six points.

“You know we had some good strategies but there was just a better team,” said Falcon coach Dan Quinn. “I think there were some questionable calls but we just have to play better.”